THREE STEPS TO ACCOMPLISHING ANYTHING: STEP 3: PROCEED

PROCEED: to move or go forward or onward, esp. after stopping; to carry on or continue any action or process; to go on to do something; to continue one’s discourse. (dictionary.com)

We have prayed (Step One) and we have prepared (Step Two) and we are now ready for Step Three – Proceed. We are ready to move forward and perform the task that God has assigned us. “So, move. Go on. What are you waiting for? Just do it. What’s that, you say? You don’t think you’re ready? You’ve prayed, haven’t you? Okay. And you’re prepared, aren’t you? Okay. So, what’s the problem? Ah, I understand. You’re afraid. Afraid of what? Afraid you will look like an idiot? That you will embarrass yourself? Afraid that you will fail at the task God has given you?”

II. Timothy 1:7: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Psalm 56:3 “What time I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee.”

These verses are telling us, first, that fear does not come from God. Second, that when we are afraid, we should trust Him. If you are afraid to proceed, is it a matter of trust? Or the lack thereof? If God has assigned you a task, and He has given you everything you need to complete that task, you don’t really think He is going to abandon you just as you start, do you? Of course not! So if it is fear that is holding you back, let it go and trust God.

“If it’s not fear, what then? Oh, you’re shy? That’s not a problem either. God tells us in Psalm 28:1b ‘that the righteous are bold as a lion.’ So get going. You have the boldness of a lion.”

“And what about you, sir? Why are you not already gone to do what He has called you to do? Excuse me? You don’t want to? So you’re just not going to, is that it? Hmmmm…that is a problem. Why, you ask? Because God told you to do it. It wasn’t a ‘if you feel like it’ or ‘if you want to’ kind of statement. It was a “go forth and do it” statement. By not doing what God has said for you to do, you are now walking in disobedience. And that’s a place you really do not want to be.”

“… to obey is better than sacrifice…For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. (I Samuel 15: 22b-23a)